National Republican., 1887-02-17
AMUSEMEN rs.
NEW NATIONAL TUF.TrB-

NEW NhllbNAb lhEAlEN.
Slowly, and after much deliberation, society
has come TO some sort of concluSiou-fre-
quently indefinite enough upon subjects
which are in their nature incapable OF abso-
lutte proof. The madness of Hamlet has ceased
to puzzle the minds of rational people, and the
problem that now remains for solution is
merely "What manner of man did Shakes
peare really intend that his gentle prince
should be-"
Some dozens of actors, famous or notorious,
have given their versions of this psychological
character study. Time. the permanent and
all.pervading instance OF natures compis-
sion, has dealt kindly with Hamlet, and as
literary research and criticism have advanced,
his character has been relieved of many
crndenesses and much stupidity. The mouth.
caliy disappoared, and In his place we
have one who In all high things is a gentleman
TO the, manner born. Shakespeare, impressed
with the influences Of EnglGnd's Augustau age,
took the skeleton of medipval human figure
and invested 1t with the spiritual attributes oi
Christianity, chivalry, and profound RATIONAL
ism. An intellectual nature pTedominatlng
oyer win power is not q rare combination 10
life, but in Hamlet the opposing characteristics
have reached the climax which directly pre-
cedes catastrophe.
Mr.. Wilson Barretts Hamlet is splendid pre-
sentntion OF one who in any age and any country
must feel that life is out of joint There was
not word of rant or an exaggerated gesture
in the English actors performance, and an
enormous audience realized early in the even
ing that at last an Interpretation had been
reached which for ease, quietness, strength,
and beauty seems the last word upon theme
OF worldwide interest.
Mr.. Barrett may or may not be the greatest
living actor, but his Hamlet is far and away the
most satisfactory and intellectual presentation
that character that IL has been Our lot to wit
ness. Miss Eastlake's Ophelia is marvellous
and unprecedented study of madness, which
was carefully developed with all the genius
sweetness, and passion OF this most gifted and
fascinating woman. "Clito" will be produced
tonight.
MoDJEsKA AT ALBAuGH's.
The next attraction at the Opera House will
be the great artist Modjeska, supported by
Maurice barrymore and her own company.
IIepertoirc for the week includes her best plays.
The sale Of seats opens this morning.
A TRIP TO AFRICA.
Dufi's well known and popular Opera Com
pany reappears at the National next Monday
night, opening in their most successful comic
opera of "A Trip TO Africa" In the cast will
be found Misses Lillian Russell and Verona
Jarnoe and Mrs, Zelda Seguin and others well
known 10 the musical world. The box sheet
viii be opened this morning.
HAERIs's BIJoU THEATER.
"Taken From Life,n one of the best Eng
lish melodramas, Will be presented at the
Bijou next week, commencing Monday AFTER
noon. Phosa McAllister, a favorite in Wash
ington. assumes the leading character sup
ported by Harry Dufield and a strong com
pany. The play abounds In striking situations
and thrilling climaxes. Among the beautiful
scenic effects are the Explosion and the ES-
cape on Horseback, introducing the famous
race horse, Comet.
KERNAE's WASHINGTON THEATER.
The Australian Novelty Company claim the
stage next week at Rernan's. In this company
are "the human fly" Mile. Aimee, many line
Yocalists ana dancers, gymnasts unappronch-
able, aerial artists, and the trick dogs Lobster
Bismarck, and Yallar. The audience VIII,
moreover, be treated to "IIot Rolls"
THE DINE MUSEUM.
Charles Gilday and his comic company O!
stars has been convulsing with laughter the
Amusement seekers at the Dime this week A
very funny musical burlesque is "Collars and
Cuts" To day he changes the programme
and presents the public "a Piece OF Pie" 4
musical extravaganza brlm full OF wit and
song Next week one of the most attractive
performances of the season viii be offered
the Derville Combined Specially and Dramatic
Company, comprising over thirty performers
The dramatic sensation is the "MolllC
MaguiTes," with intricate scenery and ma
chinery.